Football News

Scottish Football Faces Reckoning Over Crowd Disorder as New Season Begins Without Reform

As the Scottish Premiership prepares for kickoff this weekend, an independent review into last season's escalating pattern of fan disorder has raised serious concerns that little has been done to prevent a repeat of the ugly scenes that marred the campaign's climax.

The title race itself provided drama befitting the hype, with Celtic snatching the championship from Hearts in dramatic fashion on the final day. But the on-field theatre was overshadowed by chaos both inside and outside Celtic Park, as supporters invaded the pitch, confronted and abused Hearts players who were hurried back onto their team bus still in kit, and later clashed with police during street celebrations in Glasgow's Trongate area.

While it was a minority of fans responsible for the disorder, an independent review led by experienced UEFA match delegate Mark Blackbourne paints a troubling picture of a season blighted by recurring incidents. The report highlights a pattern involving pyrotechnics, thrown objects, pitch invasions, and targeted intimidation of players and officials, describing the trend as symptomatic of

Franco Baresi, AC Milan and Italy Legend, Dies Aged 66

The football world is in mourning after the death of Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan and Italy defender, who has passed away at the age of 66.

Baresi's death was confirmed by AC Milan in an official statement released on Friday morning, sending shockwaves through the football community and prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, former teammates, and clubs across the sport.

In its statement, AC Milan paid tribute to the man who came to define the club for an entire generation. "The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi," the club said. "His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club's DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is."

The statement continued by extending sympathy to Baresi's loved ones, reflecting the deep bond he shared with the Rossonero faithful throughout his career and beyond. "The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi's family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own," the club added.

Baresi's connection to AC Milan was unlike almost any other in the modern game. He remained a one-club man for the entirety of his playing career, wearing the Rossonero jersey with distinction and becoming synonymous with the number 6 shirt, which has taken on an almost mythical status at the San Siro because of his association with it.

As a defender, Baresi was renowned for his reading of the game, his leadership, and his ability to organize a backline with composure and authority. He became not just a key figure on the pitch but a symbol of loyalty and identity for Milan, embodying the values the club has long sought to project. His influence extended well beyond his playing days, with his name continuing to be invoked as a benchmark for defensive excellence in Italian football.

Baresi also represented Italy at the international level, cementing his status as one of the finest defenders of his generation on both the domestic and world stage. His achievements in the sport left an indelible mark on Italian football history, and his passing has been felt keenly not only within the Milan fanbase but across the wider footballing world.

News of his death quickly spread on social media and across news outlets, with tributes pouring in from supporters who grew up watching him marshal the Milan defense. For many, Baresi represented a bygone era of football defined by loyalty, professionalism, and quiet leadership rather than flashy transfers and constant movement between clubs.

AC Milan's statement made clear that the club considers Baresi's legacy to be inseparable from its own history and identity. The retirement and reverence of his number 6 shirt at the club stands as a lasting testament to the esteem in which he is held by the Rossoneri faithful.

As tributes continue to emerge from across the football community, the sport pauses to reflect on the life and career of a man who gave his all to one club and one badge, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations of Milan supporters and football fans more broadly.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements and additional tributes are expected to follow in the coming days.

Based on reporting from Standard Football.

Rangers Linked with Defensive Reinforcements as Transfer Speculation Swirls

Rangers are continuing their search for defensive reinforcements this summer, with reports indicating the Ibrox club is targeting two new additions at the back. Alongside their defensive priorities, the Scottish giants are also said to be pursuing two wingers capable of operating on the right-hand side of attack. However, adding to their options in central midfield does not appear to be an urgent requirement at this stage of the window, according to Rangers Review.

One player who has been linked with a move to Glasgow is Bologna's Lewis Ferguson. The 26-year-old Scotland international midfielder has attracted interest from Rangers as well as several other clubs across Europe, but Bologna appear determined to keep hold of him. According to Il Resto del Carlino, the Serie A side are planning to hold talks with Ferguson to clarify his future, with new head coach Domenico Tedesco eager to build his squad around the experienced midfielder rather than see him depart.

Elsewhere, a player with Scottish Premiership connections is also making transfer headlines in South America. Boca Juniors have reportedly received a bid of £900,000 from MLS side Houston Dynamo for 60% of the economic rights to left-back Marcelo Saracchi. The 27-year-old spent the previous season on loan at Celtic before returning to his parent club in Argentina, according to a report from El Intransigente.

In Scottish football news away from the transfer market, Dundee head coach Steven Pressley has addressed the departure of defender Aaron Donnelly, who has completed a move to Dunfermline Athletic. Pressley admitted that losing the 23-year-old leaves his side short at the back ahead of a challenging fixture against Celtic on Monday, but insisted it would have been unfair to block the move given Donnelly had already been informed he was not part of the manager's plans going forward. The Dundee boss stressed that honesty with players about their standing in the squad was important, even when it created short-term difficulties for the team.

Meanwhile, former Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Forest Green Rovers head coach Duncan Ferguson has signaled his readiness to return to management. The ex-Everton striker spent the summer working as a television pundit in New York during World Cup coverage but is now looking to get back into the dugout, according to the Press & Journal. Ferguson's managerial career has included spells at both Inverness and Forest Green Rovers, and his comments suggest he is eager for a fresh challenge after his time away from day-to-day coaching duties.

The flurry of transfer activity and managerial speculation comes as clubs across Scotland and beyond continue to shape their squads ahead of key fixtures. Rangers' pursuit of defensive and wide options reflects the broader trend of clubs assessing their needs as the transfer window progresses, while Bologna's efforts to secure Ferguson's future highlight the competitive nature of retaining key talent amid interest from bigger clubs.

As these stories continue to develop, attention will remain on how Rangers' recruitment plans take shape, whether Bologna can successfully tie down Ferguson, and how Dundee cope with their defensive reshuffle as they prepare to face Celtic. Duncan Ferguson's potential return to management also adds another intriguing subplot to the ongoing narrative of change across Scottish football this summer.

Based on reporting from BBC Sport, Rangers Review, Il Resto del Carlino, El Intransigente, The Courier, and Press & Journal.

Guess the Premier League Star: BBC's Daily Football Quiz Challenge

BBC Sport continues to engage football fans with its popular interactive feature, "Who am I?", a daily guessing game that challenges participants to identify a Premier League footballer using as few clues as possible.

The format of the quiz is straightforward. Each day, BBC Sport presents readers with a new mystery player from the Premier League. Participants are given the opportunity to guess the identity of the featured footballer, and with every incorrect guess, an additional clue is revealed to assist in narrowing down the possibilities.

The scoring system rewards quick thinking and football knowledge. Fans who correctly identify the player with minimal clues earn a higher score, making the game increasingly competitive for those who follow the sport closely. According to the quiz's own benchmarks, a score of three points is considered good, while managing to guess correctly with only four or five clues unlocked is described as an exceptional achievement.

This ongoing series has become a regular fixture for BBC Sport, inviting football enthusiasts to test their knowledge on a daily basis. The latest edition of the game features clues crafted by BBC Sport's Joe Rindl, who is responsible for curating the specific hints designed to guide players toward the correct answer without making the challenge too easy or too difficult.

The quiz format has proven to be an engaging way for fans to interact with football content beyond traditional match reports and transfer news, offering a lighter, game-based approach to staying connected with the sport. By focusing on identifying current Premier League talent, the feature also serves as a fun test of how well followers of the league can recognize players based on indirect descriptions rather than photographs or direct statistics alone.

BBC Sport has structured this as part of a broader initiative encouraging fans to return regularly for new challenges. The daily nature of the quiz means a fresh player is featured every day, ensuring that the content remains current and encourages repeat engagement from the site's audience.

For those who enjoy this type of interactive content, BBC Sport has indicated that additional quizzes are available through its dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes sections. These pages offer a wider range of similar games and challenges covering various aspects of football and other sports.

Readers interested in staying up to date with these daily quizzes have the option to sign up for notifications, ensuring they receive alerts when new quizzes, including future editions of "Who am I?", are published. This feature caters to fans who want to make the guessing game a consistent part of their daily routine, whether as a quick diversion during a break or as a way to challenge friends and family on football knowledge.

The "Who am I?" series represents part of a growing trend among sports media outlets to incorporate interactive, gamified content alongside traditional journalism. By blending trivia with football expertise, BBC Sport aims to appeal to a broad audience, from casual fans looking for entertainment to devoted followers of the Premier League seeking to prove their in-depth knowledge of players across the division.

As the series continues, new mystery players will be introduced daily, keeping the format fresh while maintaining the same core mechanics that have made it a popular addition to BBC Sport's digital offerings.

Based on reporting from BBC Sport.

The Brescia Bond Behind Tottenham's Revival: De Zerbi and Tonali's Shared Roots

A quiet thread connects Tottenham Hotspur's recent resurgence to a small footballing city in northern Italy. Manager Roberto de Zerbi, credited with steering Spurs away from relegation danger last season, and record signing Sandro Tonali both trace deep personal ties to Brescia, the club whose professional status was formally dissolved this week after years of financial turmoil.

De Zerbi's connection to Brescia is inherited. His father, Alfredo, was a prominent figure among the club's supporters, coordinating fan groups and organizing away trips from the terraces of the Stadio Mario Rigamonti. "My dad is crazy about football. He was one of the leaders of the Brescia tifoseria. At home, we lived and breathed football. He was the one who passed that passion on to me," De Zerbi said in Salim Lamrani's book, Football According to Roberto de Zerbi.

Rosanna Pedrollo, who worked in Brescia's administration for roughly fifty years starting in 1968, recalled a young De Zerbi serving as club mascot, attending matches home and away with his father, watching training sessions, and even helping prepare tifo displays. "He was always around in those days," Pedrollo told BBC Sport of Alfredo. "He organised the away trips, knew which players were going to visit which supporters' clubs and when. He took care of everything." She described him as fiery yet gentle, someone who poured his passion into the club in ways rarely seen in the modern game.

De Zerbi's own playing path ran through local sides USO Mompiano and Lumezzane before he joined AC Milan's youth setup at 12. He eventually returned to Brescia for a 19-game loan spell in 2008, fulfilling what Pedrollo says was his father's fondest wish — to see his son wear the club's colors.

The family endured hardship during Italy's economic crisis of the early 1990s, when Alfredo was forced to sell the family's mat factory and their home. "We had to rebuild our lives from scratch," De Zerbi told Lamrani, who describes the manager as someone who never abandoned his working-class values despite later success. According to Lamrani, De Zerbi signed a mortgage to buy his parents a new home the day after putting pen to paper on his first professional contract with Milan.

That loyalty to his origins has stayed visible throughout his coaching career. While in charge of Marseille, De Zerbi was seen making Brescia's traditional "V" gesture toward the away section during a Champions League clash with Atalanta, a fixture he described as carrying derby-like intensity for anyone from the city.

Tonali's bond with Brescia is more direct: he joined the club at 12, made his senior debut at 17, and helped them earn promotion to Serie A before his move to Milan in 2020. Speaking to BBC Sport, the midfielder confirmed his personal relationship with De Zerbi predates their time together at Tottenham. "Brescia is so small. I had two weeks there and met him two or three times," Tonali said. "We spoke about Brescia, about the difficult situation facing our club."

That difficult situation culminated this week when Brescia Calcio, under owner Massimo Cellino, was officially wound up by an Italian court, having already been excluded from professional football last summer due to mounting debts. The club's identity has since passed to Union Brescia, who continue to play at the same Stadio Mario Rigamonti where Roberto Baggio, Pep Guardiola, De Zerbi and Tonali all once featured. Reports had suggested Cellino might seek a share of Tonali's £100m transfer fee through FIFA's solidarity mechanism, but that possibility appears to have ended with the club's dissolution.

For both De Zerbi and Tonali, the city's turbulent chapter closes even as its influence continues to shape their work in north London.

Based on reporting from BBC Sport.

FIFA Presses Ahead With World Cup Investment Plan Despite UEFA Boycott Threat

FIFA has confirmed it will continue consulting its member associations over a controversial plan to sell stakes in a new commercial entity tied to the World Cup, even as European football's governing body threatens to boycott all FIFA competitions in response.

The dispute centers on FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed subsidiary that would oversee FIFA's commercial and event operations, including the World Cup. Under the plan, external investors could acquire minority stakes of up to 20% in the new entity, with FIFA promising that resulting revenue would flow back to national associations.

News of the plan first surfaced this week in reports by The Times and the Financial Times, catching many national federations and even some European members of the FIFA Council off guard. The reaction was swift and severe. Following an emergency meeting on Thursday, UEFA's 55 member associations agreed unanimously that they would refuse to take part in any FIFA tournament, including World Cups, unless the proposal was scrapped entirely.

"No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership," UEFA said in its statement, describing the rollout of the plan as "irresponsible and indefensible."

CONCACAF, representing 41 nations across North and Central America and the Caribbean, also announced its opposition, stating it "rejected the proposal." The confederation said its members were troubled by what it called a lack of due process, an unreasonably tight deadline, and the absence of oversight from FIFA's own governance structures. The AFC, football's Asian governing body, likewise expressed frustration at not being consulted before the plan became public, calling the scarcity of information "totally unacceptable."

Despite the backlash, FIFA declined to withdraw the proposal. In a statement issued Friday, the organization said its original consultation process had been undermined by premature media coverage rather than by any flaw in the plan itself. "We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation," FIFA said, adding that it intended to let all member associations vote based on accurate information rather than press reports.

FIFA firmly denied accusations that it was compromising the integrity of the game. "Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain," the statement read, insisting that FFE was designed purely to give national associations a stake in football's commercial growth without affecting the sport's governance. FIFA also noted that no single confederation could speak for all 211 member associations, and that each should be free to assess the proposal on its own terms — whether that meant approving, rejecting, or amending it.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been the plan's most prominent backer, previously telling member federations they could receive $40 million if they approved the proposal, with $20 million available upfront ahead of a September 19 deadline. Should the plan proceed, American venture capital firm Thrive Eternal — founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump — is expected to lead the group of investors involved.

Beyond the governance concerns, domestic and international leagues have voiced worry that the pursuit of new investment could push FIFA toward expanding tournaments further, adding strain to already congested football calendars. The FA of England said it stood "shoulder to shoulder" with UEFA's position, a stance echoed by the Scottish, Welsh, and both Irish federations.

The practical consequences of a boycott could be significant. The Women's Under-20 World Cup, scheduled for Poland in September, would be the first affected, while the senior Women's World Cup in Brazil next summer looms as a larger flashpoint, with qualifying matches due to begin this autumn. For now, FIFA has signaled no intention of backing down, setting up a tense standoff with Europe's football authorities in the weeks ahead.

Based on reporting from Standard Sport, The Guardian, and BBC Sport.

Gray Basks in Redemption as Hibs Erase Kosovo Nightmare in Style

David Gray experienced a remarkable turnaround in fortunes with Hibernian supporters over the course of a week, moving from target of frustration to object of celebration following a stunning European comeback at Easter Road on Thursday.

Seven days earlier, the Hibs head coach faced fierce criticism after his team suffered a chastening 2-0 defeat away to Malisheva in the first leg of their Conference League qualifier. The travelling contingent of fans in Kosovo left no doubt about their displeasure with both the result and the performance, leaving the tie - and Gray's growing reputation - in jeopardy.

Gray himself conceded that the outcome and the way it unfolded were simply not good enough, but he insisted the only real response would come through performances on the pitch. That response arrived emphatically in the return leg, as Hibs raced into a commanding position and eventually secured passage to the next round on aggregate.

Inspired by the ever-reliable Martin Boyle, the home side wiped out the deficit inside the opening quarter of an hour. Boyle later added a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past a string of defenders to make it 4-0 on the night and send the crowd into raptures. Although Hibs eased off somewhat in the closing stages - allowing Malisheva to grab a consolation - the overall display was enough to turn the mood inside Easter Road from tension to celebration, with fans chanting Gray's name in appreciation.

Speaking after the match, Gray highlighted the attacking approach that had defined the performance. "We spoke about the intensity we want to play at, the intent from the start to play forward, run forward and get the crowd behind us," he said. "I saw it in training and they fully deserved to win tonight. We should have been out of sight, we hit the woodwork a couple of times and missed three or four big chances. That goal at the end made it a little bit edgy but at the same time, the players deserved what they got tonight. Delighted for them."

Asked whether he felt a sense of relief given the pressure he had been under, Gray admitted that satisfaction as a coach is often short-lived. "Relief kicks in and then it's the next game," he explained. "You enjoy it for two minutes and then on to the next one."

Notably, Hibs achieved the result without several key attacking players, including Jamie McGrath, Nicky Cadden and summer arrival Callum Wright. In their absence, the front line of Boyle, Owen Elding and Nathan Lowe stepped up impressively, with all three getting their names on the scoresheet. Gray suggested both Elding and Lowe could have added to their tallies, praising the physical presence Lowe offers as a focal point in attack.

"We've got real good options up front," Gray said. "I've always spoken about being flexible. Nathan Lowe brings a focal point and the front three were all very good tonight."

While Malisheva have historically struggled on their travels in European competition, having never won an away fixture in three seasons and having previously conceded eight goals in a single match against Vikingur in Iceland, the victory nonetheless represented a significant confidence boost for Hibs heading into a demanding schedule.

Attention now turns to Sunday's Premiership clash with Motherwell, who themselves progressed in Conference League qualifying under new manager Alfred Johansson despite off-season departures. Gray is eager for his side to carry their attacking momentum into domestic competition.

"We're in the next round and can take that momentum into Motherwell," he said. "We're ready for Thursday-Sunday-Thursday - that's what everything in pre-season has been geared up for."

Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.

Scottish Premiership Title Race Wide Open Ahead of New Season

With the new Scottish Premiership campaign fast approaching, attention is turning to whether Celtic can retain their crown after a dramatic conclusion to last season, when they snatched the title from Hearts on the final day.

The close finish has set the stage for what promises to be another fiercely contested race, and the shifting managerial landscape across the division has added extra intrigue heading into the new term.

Rangers have made significant moves in the transfer market, luring key figures away from Hearts, including their manager and two important players. Derek McInnes now takes charge at Ibrox, and questions remain over whether he can guide the club back to silverware after a turbulent period for the Glasgow giants.

Hearts, meanwhile, face the task of rebuilding following those high-profile departures. The Edinburgh club have turned to Belgian head coach Wouter Vrancken to oversee the reconstruction of a squad that came agonisingly close to ending Celtic's dominance last term. How Vrancken adapts to Scottish football and reshapes his squad will be one of the storylines to watch closely in the opening weeks.

Celtic, by contrast, have opted for continuity by retaining Martin O'Neill at the helm, a decision that has prompted debate about whether that stability, combined with some eye-catching new signings, makes them favourites once again to lift the title. Backing an experienced manager rather than making a change appears to reflect confidence in the current project at Parkhead, even after the title race went to the wire last season.

These themes were discussed on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, where host Eilidh Barbour was joined by former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam, Livingston's Ryan McGowan, and the Guardian's Scottish football correspondent Ewan Murray to preview the season ahead.

The panel devoted time to assessing Rangers' prospects under McInnes, questioning whether he has what it takes to end the club's wait for major trophies. They also explored how Hearts might cope without the personnel who have moved to Ibrox, and whether Vrancken's methods can quickly translate into results in a demanding league.

On Celtic, the discussion centred on whether sticking with O'Neill, allied to notable additions to the squad, is enough to make them outright favourites again, or whether the rest of the division has closed the gap following last season's tense finish.

Beyond the traditional contenders, the panel also turned their attention to the chasing pack, debating which clubs could establish themselves as the best of the rest this season and push for European qualification or a strong midtable finish. Discussion also covered which teams might find themselves fighting to avoid the drop, with the bottom end of the table expected to be just as competitive as the title race itself.

With Celtic looking to defend their crown, Rangers attempting to reassert themselves under new management, and Hearts working to overcome the loss of key figures, the coming Scottish Premiership season looks set to be another unpredictable and closely fought campaign from top to bottom.

Based on reporting from BBC Sport (Football Daily podcast, BBC Radio 5 Live).

Ant and Dec Pay Tearful Tribute to Newcastle Legend Kevin Keegan

Television presenter Declan Donnelly has spoken movingly about the death of Kevin Keegan, describing the former Newcastle United player and manager as his

Senesi Reports for Tottenham Pre-Season After Late World Cup Call-Up

Marcos Senesi has officially begun his Tottenham Hotspur career, reporting to the club's Hotspur Way training base for the start of pre-season preparations following his summer move to north London.

The Argentine centre-back arrived at Spurs as a free agent after his contract with Bournemouth expired in June. His switch to Tottenham forms part of a busy summer of incomings at the club, with Senesi joining a group of new faces that includes Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Senesi's arrival at the training ground was delayed after he received a late call-up to Argentina's World Cup squad, stepping in as a replacement for the injured Leonardo Balerdi. Less than two weeks after featuring in that tournament, the defender has now linked up with his new club for the first time.

Tottenham shared images of Senesi undergoing physical assessments in the gym, with the defender pictured holding a cup of mate, the traditional South American drink, as he settles into life at the club.

While several of his new teammates have already travelled to Australia as part of Tottenham's pre-season tour, there are currently no confirmed plans for Senesi to join up with the squad there. The club's schedule does, however, present several opportunities for him to feature before the new Premier League season begins in just over three weeks. Spurs are set to face Getafe on August 8, before taking on Hoffenheim twice the following weekend, offering potential windows for Senesi to make his first appearances in a Tottenham shirt.

Elsewhere, teammates who featured at the World Cup have returned to the club with mixed emotions from the tournament. Rodrigo Bentancur endured a difficult campaign with Uruguay, who were eliminated at the group stage. The midfielder played in all three of his side's matches as they drew with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia before suffering a defeat to Spain in a must-win encounter. Bentancur now turns his attention to the upcoming club season, one in which he will be eager to stay fit and make an impact after missing significant portions of the previous campaign due to a serious hamstring injury that required surgery.

Pape Matar Sarr's World Cup experience was similarly brief, with the midfielder making just two appearances for Senegal before their run ended in the last 32 against Belgium.

With the Premier League opener edging closer, Tottenham's coaching staff will be assessing how quickly their returning internationals, along with new arrivals like Senesi, can be integrated into the squad's plans. The club's pre-season fixtures against Getafe and Hoffenheim will likely serve as key markers for gauging fitness levels and combinations ahead of the new campaign.

For Senesi, the focus now shifts to building match fitness and adapting to his new surroundings after a whirlwind few weeks that took him from a World Cup call-up to his first days at a new club. How soon he is integrated into first-team training and matches will become clearer in the coming days as Tottenham finalise their pre-season preparations.

Based on reporting from standard-football.